Land mafia has grabbed thousands of acres of land in UP

Lucknow,January 02(HS) A committee formed by the Yogi government in Uttar Pradesh to look into cases of  land grabbing in two districts in the eastern part of the state has come out with a shocking report.More such cases may come to light if an inquiry is also made in other parts.

The land mafia which is quite active in several parts  was more so in these two districts where tribals have large presence.The method used in this part was different from some others.Here the land was grabbed through agricultural cooperative societies formed for the purpose.

The size of land grabbed also makes these two districts(Sonebhadra and Mirzapur) special.Over 6600 acres of government land has been usurped in these two.

A total of 39 cooperative societies in these two districts were under the radar.Investigation revealed that seven of them had grabbed government land valued at over 660 crores.

The government’s attention was drawn to it following killing of ten tribals in Sonebhadra district in July last.Their land was  taken by another agricultural cooperative society.The Congress had tried to make much of it but kept quiet after it was found that most of the land grabbers were close to the party.

The Yogi government had ordered an inquiry soon after the killing.It had enlarged the area and asked the committee  to inquire land grabbing in the entire Sonebhadra district in addition to Mirzapur which was also under the scanner.

The committee in its report submitted on Wednesday has also found roles of some top district officials questionable.More than 12 lower level officials have been found involved in the racket.More heads may roll soon.The land grabbed may be asked to be returned.

The committee had examined records of  12380 acres of land.Half of it was found to be occupied by members of these societies.